Instructions for Putting On a Snaffle Bit

Some horses are more willing to take the bit than others, but every now and again, putting on a snaffle bit can be a chore. A stubborn horse shakes his head, backs away and generally makes your job a lot harder than it has to be. A few tips make putting on a snaffle bit a quick and easy task instead of your least favorite part of tacking up.

Secure Your Horse

Attempting to put a bridle on a reluctant horse who has room to maneuver is not only a bad idea but a dangerous. She may back away suddenly and trip over the loose reins or run into something trying to back away from you.

Clip a lead to her halter before you begin, tie the lead to the stall with an emergency knot, and buckle the halter loosely around her neck. This way her head is free to be bridled and she can't back away from you easily. If she panics, pull the emergency knot to keep her from hurting herself or you.

Position Yourself Correctly

Stand on the left side of your horse beside his head. Hold the bridle in your right hand, by the cheekpieces, with the noseband and throat lash open and unbuckled. Your hand should be near the browband to allow you to get the bridle around the horse's muzzle without having to readjust your grip.

Put the reins over the horse's head and place your left hand gently on his muzzle to discourage him from tossing his head. However, if he does it anyway, do not back away and wait for him to stop. This teaches him that misbehaving is a great way to get you to back off. Simply keep your hand placed firmly on his muzzle until he quiets down.

Inserting the Snaffle Bit

With your left hand on his muzzle, reach your right hand under her neck and place it on her nose so that the snaffle bit is dangling a few inches below her mouth. Place your left hand under the snaffle bit, and press it gently but firmly against her teeth. If she is in a good mood, she may open her mouth for you.

If this fails, scoot your right hand further up her muzzle so that the bit rests on her teeth and the cheekpieces rest on either side of her muzzle. Then, insert your left finger through her lips and the natural gap in her teeth and onto her tongue. Wiggle your finger around a bit until you irritate her enough to get her to open her mouth. Then slide in the bit with your left hand while keeping your right hand firmly on her muzzle to keep her from backing away and letting the bit drop out again.

Put the headpiece over hers ears, buckle the noseband and throat lash and you're good to go!

References

• How to Bridle Your Horse